David Pocock will be named as Wallabies captain later this week as James Horwill has been ruled out of all four of Australia’s June Tests.

Initially it was hoped that Horwill would be available for one or two of the Tests against Wales, but on Tuesday it was confirmed that Horwill’s hamstring tear is significant, and he won’t be available. The Wallabies lock will see a specialist to determine the period of his recovery.

Pocock is expected to be named stand-in skipper later this week. Interestingly, he will lead Australia against Scotland on 5 June and then four days later against Wales.

‘If you’ve been asked to do it, you do it,’ he told the Sydney Morning Herald. ‘Everyone is excited about this next month and you’re never going to pass up the opportunity to play for the Wallabies. There won’t be any risks taken with players.’

Coach Robbie Deans has been working with Wallabies players selected from the Force and Reds, as they have a Super Rugby bye this week. Test players selected from the Brumbies, Rebels and Waratahs will link up with squad on Wednesday for a one-day preparatory session.